Bearcats are Ranked #8 in West Region of NCAA Division III

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University softball team is #8 in the West Region this week in rankings released by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Bearcats are 20-13 on the season, including 19-9 in the Northwest Conference.

Willamette will be competing at the NWC Tournament this weekend in McMinnville, Ore. The Bearcats will take on Pacific Lutheran University in the first round on Saturday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. (PDT). The double-elimination tournament bill conclude on Sunday, April 22.

The Bearcats enter the tournament hitting .309 as a team. Theresa Martin (Fr., 3B, Modesto, CA/Johansen HS) leads the way with a .423 batting average. Kelli Snyder (Jr., C, Longview, WA/Kelso HS) ranks second on the team with a .412 average, while Yvonne Drabin (Jr., CF, Freemont, CA/Moreau Catholic HS) is third at .397. A total of six starters are hitting over .300 for the season.